Michael Carrier is the sole advisor at Michael S. Carrier & Associates, Inc., an independent firm based in Highlands, NC. He holds a Series 65 designation and has 27 years of industry experience, having led his firm since 1997. Michael S. Carrier & Associates provides investment advice and portfolio management primarily to individuals, trusts, and small businesses. The firm tailors portfolios based on client profiles and conducts ongoing reviews, managing accounts on a discretionary basis without imposing a firm-wide minimum account size.

Donald Mcclellan is a financial advisor with Covenant Investment Solutions LLC in Highlands, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 25 years of industry experience. Prior to founding Covenant Investment Solutions in 2018, he worked at Pruco Securities LLC for three years. He serves as a board member and president of the Highlands Historical Society and is a member of the Rotary Club of Highlands. Covenant Investment Solutions LLC provides discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management and investment advice to individuals, high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm employs tailored strategies based on clients’ objectives and risk tolerance, utilizing proprietary model portfolios and a combination of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis.

Jon Green is a CFP® and PFS™ credentialed financial advisor with 21 years of industry experience. He has been the principal of Encompass Advisors, Ltd. since 2004. In addition to his advisory role, he is an author conducting research and writing on investment-related topics. Encompass Advisors, Ltd. provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, estates, and businesses. The firm focuses on customized, long-term portfolio construction using a combination of low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, and individual securities, employing fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis with ongoing portfolio monitoring and formal annual reviews.

David Tice is a financial advisor at Moran Tice Capital Management LLC with 20 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Ranger Alternative Management, LP since 2020. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Tice Capital, LLC, where he provides consulting services on macro themes to investment firms and professionals. Moran Tice Capital Management LLC offers discretionary investment management to high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and institutional investors through private pooled investment vehicles and separately managed accounts. The firm employs an absolute-return, low-correlation investment approach with a focus on precious-metals equity exposure and uses derivatives and margin as part of its portfolio strategy.

William Zimmer is a financial advisor at Fortress Private Ledger, LLC with 12 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Prior to joining Fortress, he worked at MML Investors Services and Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company. Outside of his advisory role, Zimmer is co-founder and co-owner of Ecusta Brewing Company, a brewery located in Pisgah Forest, NC. Fortress Private Ledger serves individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth individuals and employer-sponsored retirement plans, offering financial planning, consulting, portfolio management, and specialized Qualified Opportunity Zone advisory services. The firm’s investment approach integrates trend identification and technical analysis with complementary strategies across various asset types, delivering tailored portfolio solutions through a network of investment adviser representatives.

Michael Denti is a financial advisor at Summit Financial, LLC with 40 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Merrill from 1983 to 2021 and Bank of America from 2009 to 2021. In addition to his advisory role, he is licensed to offer insurance products through various companies, including sales conducted via an affiliated firm. Summit Financial, LLC provides investment advisory and financial planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, corporations, pension plans, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a combination of discretionary managed portfolios and advisor-directed programs, serving approximately $15 billion in client assets as of December 2024.

Walter Hart is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Brevard, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and 13 years of industry experience. He has worked with Members Trust Company, Secu Life Insurance Company, Secu Brokerage Services, and State Employees’ Credit Union. Outside of his advisory roles, he has income from musical performances. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors and some trust clients in North Carolina, providing non-discretionary portfolio management and financial planning focused on low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs. The firm’s advisers are salaried employees of the parent credit union, and clients retain final authority over their investment decisions.

Jeffrey Schnee is a financial advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott with 42 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with Janney Montgomery Scott since 2003. Prior to that, he worked at Alphasights. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer managing approximately $100.8 billion in client assets and serving over 235,000 clients. The firm offers a wide range of services including portfolio management, financial planning, retirement plan advisory, and brokerage for individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, charities, and institutional accounts.

Ray Croff is a financial advisor with Brookstone Capital Management LLC and holds a Series 63 designation. He has eight years of industry experience, including time at Hall ETF Wealth Management System, Inc., and over two decades of self-employment prior to joining Brookstone. Outside of advising, he is involved in exit planning roundtables, working with business owners on preparing for the sale and value creation of their businesses. Brookstone Capital Management is an SEC-registered adviser providing fee-based asset management and financial planning through a turnkey asset management platform and wrap-fee program. The firm serves a diverse client base, including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, charitable organizations, other RIAs, sovereign wealth funds, and banking institutions, and is notable for its platform support of a large advisor network and its integration with insurance and banking referral channels.

Joseph Eppy is a financial advisor with MassMutual Investors Services who holds a Series 63 designation and has 32 years of industry experience. He has been with MML Investors Services since 1994 and with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company since 1993. Outside of his advisory role, he is the founder and CEO of Stress-Free Parenting LLC and serves as a board member for Oakstone Academy, a special needs school for children with autism. MassMutual Investors Services, LLC is a broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that provides financial planning and asset management services to individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and employers. The firm offers collaborative, annual financial planning engagements that utilize firm-approved analytical tools and provides educational seminars alongside various investment programs.

Samuel Morse Jr is a financial advisor at Stifel with 30 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Stifel since 2009 and UBS Financial Services since 2000. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved in managing family real estate partnerships. Stifel serves a broad range of clients, including individuals, institutional investors, and charitable organizations, offering brokerage and investment advisory services supported by proprietary investment analysis and allocation methodologies.

Robert Vingi Jr. is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and over 30 years of industry experience. He has been with Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC. Outside of his advisory role, he hosts a personal podcast unrelated to his business activities. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services. The firm’s approach is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related products and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

Nicholas Sotirakopulos is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing, holding a Series 66 designation and 18 years of industry experience. He has been with Wells Fargo Advisors LLC since 2011. Outside of his advisory role, he has a 50% ownership interest in JS Properties Brevard, LLC. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory solutions. The firm’s approach is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, with a broader investment menu that includes insurance-related products and bank deposit sweep options.

Todd Holder is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Highlands, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and five years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2020 and previously was associated with Dan Gilbert Insurance Agency and operated a personal advisory practice from 2013 to 2020. Outside of his advisory work, he has involvement with churches, retirement centers, and individual students. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients with a broad range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and is noted for its extensive advisor and branch network as well as its range of affiliated services beyond traditional advisory offerings.

Wesley Thompson is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and has completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama System, after attending Southern Methodist University without receiving a diploma. Wesley contributes to the advisory services provided by The Thompson Group, which has been recognized as a Forbes "Best in State Wealth Management Team" for multiple years. The group focuses on investment direction, portfolio construction, and estate planning strategies. Additional personal interests or community involvement details for Wesley Thompson have not been provided.

Justin Souma is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with 21 years of industry experience. He is currently with LPL Financial and previously worked for Benjamin F Edwards & Co for nine years. Outside of his advisory role, he is a business owner of Seven Oaks Farm at Hickory Ridge, LLC. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a range of financial planning and asset management solutions supported by an in-house Research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Jason Lefler is a financial advisor at Stifel with 10 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has worked at Stifel Nicolaus & Co Inc since 2016, following a year at Northwestern Mutual. Stifel serves a broad range of clients, including individuals, institutional investors, and charitable organizations, providing both brokerage and investment advisory services. The firm’s investment approach is based on proprietary methodologies from its Investment Strategy Group, utilizing forward-looking capital market assumptions and probabilistic modeling to support client decision-making.

Michael Boulos is a financial advisor at Stifel with Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and 41 years of industry experience. He has worked at Stifel Nicolaus & Co Inc since 2019 and previously at Wells Fargo Clearing and Wells Fargo Advisors LLC. Stifel serves a diverse client base including individuals, institutional clients, and charitable organizations, offering brokerage and advisory services supported by a proprietary investment methodology developed by its Investment Strategy Group.

Walker Gaultney is a financial advisor at OSAIC with 43 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has previously worked with Securities America Advisors, Inc. and Securities America, Inc. Gaultney also has experience in life insurance sales as an agent. OSAIC is an SEC-registered investment adviser and FINRA member broker-dealer serving a diverse client base including individual investors, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a comprehensive investment process that integrates risk-tolerance assessments, asset allocation software, and portfolio optimization tools, offering a range of investment options across multiple custodial platforms.

Milton Tynch Jr. is a financial advisor at Stifel with 27 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Stifel Nicolaus since 2008. Stifel serves a diverse client base including individuals, institutional clients, and charitable organizations, offering brokerage and investment advisory services supported by a proprietary investment methodology developed by its Investment Strategy Group.

Joshua Tilley is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 18 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Edward Jones since 2008. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment strategies supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices. The firm provides discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, affiliated mutual funds, and operates under a fiduciary standard.

Tyler Koopman is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with three years of industry experience. He is currently with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors and has prior experience at LPL Financial. Outside of his advisory work, he has been involved with the American Forest Foundation. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors serves a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plans, and charitable organizations through a large network of independent Financial Professionals. The firm offers financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement plan advisory services utilizing multiple account platforms and both discretionary and non-discretionary management approaches.

Carla Erikson is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and 43 years of industry experience. She worked at Merrill from 1982 to 2017 before joining Morgan Stanley and its Private Bank in 2017. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individual and institutional clients with comprehensive financial planning and advisory programs. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and employs a structured planning process supported by firm-approved tools and analysis.

Jonathan Larocca is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Brevard, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 10 years of industry experience. He has worked at several firms including Royal Alliance Associates, Sii, Forteris Wealth, and Signator Investors before joining LPL Financial in 2019. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a range of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and combines large-scale advisory operations with a variety of non-advisory product offerings.

David Gregg is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Sarasota, Florida. He has been with the firm since 1993 and works primarily with retired or soon-to-be retired clients, focusing on helping them identify and attain their financial and aspirational goals. With over 30 years of investment experience, David offers personalized attention and customized investment recommendations that include asset management, tax-efficient strategies, educational funding, and wealth preservation. He combines his expertise with insights from Merrill’s analysts and strategists, as well as the banking resources of Bank of America, to address the many aspects of his clients’ financial lives. David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Economics and Finance, from Bowling Green State University and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). David has been involved in community activities such as serving on the board of the YMCA and volunteering at Mote Marine Laboratories. He and his son are avid scuba divers who enjoy boating and travel. They also share an interest in ballet and opera, with his daughters participating in the Sarasota Ballet Conservatory and Sarasota Youth Opera.

Samuel Gabin is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and two years of industry experience. He has worked with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2014 and joined Wells Fargo Clearing in 2023. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both non-discretionary and discretionary investment services. The firm’s advisory process is IPS-driven and based on modern portfolio theory, incorporating a broad range of financial products including insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.

Mary Beth Brody is a financial advisor at Ameriprise with 28 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Edward Jones for nine years and has been with Ameriprise since 2022. Brody serves on a local board of directors in Highlands, North Carolina. Ameriprise offers retirement-income planning services primarily for clients with significant investable assets, combining research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to provide tailored, non-discretionary recommendations delivered through a centralized consulting team.

Thomas Whelan is a CFP® professional with 31 years of industry experience, currently serving at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016. He previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC from 2009 to 2016. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both non-discretionary and discretionary services. The firm’s advisory process is IPS-driven and grounded in modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

Darcie Guerin is a financial advisor with Raymond James & Associates, holding Series 63, 65, and 66 credentials and bringing 39 years of industry experience. She has been with Raymond James & Associates since 2004. Outside of her advisory role, she is the owner of DPG Insights, a non-investment business. Raymond James & Associates provides financial planning and investment consulting to a diverse client base, including individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable entities, and government clients. The firm offers tailored financial plans and investment recommendations through a combination of non-discretionary advisory relationships and institutional consulting services.

Michael Amoroso is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with a Series 66 designation and one year of experience at the firm. Prior to Edward Jones, he held positions at several companies including SWTCH Energy Inc., Payzer, Sacred Sun Power Sources Co., Ltd., Pink Energy, Better Mortgage Corporation, and Tesla. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory strategies and maintains a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

William Murphy is a financial advisor at UBS Financial Services with 52 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with UBS since 2010. UBS Financial Services serves individual, corporate, and institutional clients through brokerage and investment advisory offerings, including financial planning and portfolio management. The firm combines institutional trading capabilities with wealth management services and provides a broad range of capital markets and research resources.

Erik Selness is a CFP® with 18 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. since 2015. He is also a member of the finance and investment committee at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, where he assists with managing church endowments. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. serves a diverse client base including individual investors, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, and municipal entities. The firm offers financial planning and non-discretionary investment consulting, emphasizing tailored strategies developed through client collaboration and supported by extensive research and institutional resources.

Theodore Whitlock is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Edward Jones in Brevard, NC, where he has worked since 2018. He has seven years of industry experience and previously owned a fly fishing outfitting business, Altamont Professional Services LTD. Whitlock has also been involved with Altamont Anglers since 2004. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets through a nationwide network of financial advisors and offers a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

James Hatcher is a financial advisor at Cetera with 29 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Atlantic Asset Management since 2003. Prior to joining Cetera in 2025, he was associated with Avantax Insurance Agency and Avantax Investment Services for over two decades. Cetera Investment Advisers serves a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, institutions, and retirement plans through a large network of independent advisors. The firm offers a range of portfolio management, financial planning, and fiduciary services, utilizing a combination of advisor-managed accounts, firm-sponsored model portfolios, and third-party managed solutions.

Lindsey Caughel is a CFP® professional with seven years of industry experience, currently advising at Edward Jones since 2019. Prior to joining Edward Jones, Lindsey held roles with organizations including the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Altamonte Springs Baseball Academy. Lindsey is also a part owner of a QC Kinetix healthcare franchise in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million clients, including individual and institutional investors. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory programs, investment strategies, and affiliated financial services through a nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

William Hendrix is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL Financial in 2020, he worked at Ty Hendrix Investment Management and has experience in the hospitality industry, including roles at Equator Coffees and The French Laundry. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and charities. The firm offers a range of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Clay Rucker is a financial advisor at Raymond James & Associates with 40 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James since 1997 and holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Outside of his advisory role, he serves on the advisory boards of the Church of the Incarnation and the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, providing financial oversight and support. Raymond James & Associates offers financial planning and investment consulting to a diverse client base including individuals, employer-sponsored retirement plans, corporate and charitable entities, and government clients. The firm provides tailored financial plans and asset-allocation analyses, supporting clients through both non-discretionary advisory relationships and institutional consulting services.

Edward Krakovsky is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding the ChFC® designation and Series 63 license, and has 29 years of industry experience. He has worked at Cetera Advisors LLC since 2013 and currently serves as a consultant at Grace Hayden MacNaught, assisting with the transition of client book of business. Cetera Investment Advisers serves a diverse client base including individual, high-net-worth, institutional, and retirement-plan clients through a large network of independent advisors. The firm offers a range of portfolio management, financial planning, and fiduciary services, utilizing advisor-managed accounts, model portfolios, and third-party solutions.

Gerald Hendrix Jr. is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and over 29 years of industry experience. He has been with LPL Financial since 2003. Outside of his advisory role, Hendrix is involved in organic beekeeping and occasionally sells raw honey. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a broad client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a variety of financial planning and investment management options supported by an in-house research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Carson Waddell is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with four years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at LPL Financial since 2021. Prior to that, he was associated with Ty Hendrix Investment Management and has experience in both educational and entrepreneurial roles. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a wide range of clients, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers diverse investment solutions supported by an in-house Research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Sonda Frattini is a financial advisor at Mass Mutual Investors Services with 22 years of industry experience. She holds the ChFC® designation as well as Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Prior to joining Mass Mutual in 2025, she worked for Ameritas Advisory Services and Ameritas Investment Corp. Frattini also holds an insurance broker role at Park South Group, where she provides life, disability, long-term care, and fixed annuities insurance. Mass Mutual Investors Services, LLC is a broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that serves individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and employers. The firm offers financial planning, asset management, and various investment programs, emphasizing collaborative, goal-based planning with optional implementation through brokerage or insurance arrangements.

Gary Brown is a financial advisor at Merrill with 43 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been associated with Merrill since 1982, concurrently working with Bank of America, N.A. since 2017. Merrill serves a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutional clients, providing managed account programs, discretionary portfolio management, and brokerage services. The firm emphasizes tax-efficient investment strategies and leverages its affiliation with Bank of America to support comprehensive trading, lending, and capital-markets activities.